May 31, 2014 Saturday,
Visitation of the Blessed
Virgin Mary
1st Reading: Zep 3:14–18a (or Rom 12:9–16)
Gospel: Lk 1:39–56
Mary then set out for a town in the Hills of Judah. She entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leapt in her womb. Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit, and giving a loud cry, said, “You are most blessed among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! How is it that the mother of my Lord comes to me? The moment your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby within me suddenly leapt for joy. Blessed are you who believed that the Lord’s word would come true!”And Mary said:“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,my spirit exults in God my savior!He has looked upon his servant in her lowliness, and people forever will call me blessed.The Mighty One has done great things for me,Holy is his
Name!From age to age his mercy extendsto those who live in his presence.He has acted with power and done wonders,and scattered the proud with their plans.He has put down the mighty from their thronesand lifted up those who are downtrodden.He has filled the hungry with good thingsbut has sent the rich away empty.He held out his hand to Israel, his servant,for he remembered his mercy,even as he promised our fathers,Abraham and his descendants forever.”Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and then returned home.
D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in
the Assimilated
Life Experience)
It would have been better if today’s Feast of the Visitation immediately followed the Feast of the Annunciation. Why? Biblically the Visitation followed the Annunciation. After her encounter with the Angel Mary visited her old cousin Elizabeth who at that time was pregnant and needed help. The Angel mentioned Elizabeth’s case to Mary only in passing, yet it became Mary’s priority.
Mary’s response to the needs of others was immediate. Help delayed is help denied, especially if the delay is due to one’s reluctance to help. Today’s Gospel challenges our capacity to prioritize the welfare of others. Mary showed us the example. She had all the right to throw a party with her family and friends, or withdraw to seclusion to reflect further on the Angel’s message. But she had a unique way of celebrating it. Still heavy with the joy of the Angel’s message she went in haste to be of service to her cousin because that was the urgent thing to do at that moment. Because of what she did, her Annunciation became the inauguration of her role as perpetual help, the immediate help of Christians, and refuge of all who are in need. – Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., DM. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.frdan.org.
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